Daisy & I managed to get our paws on an early review copy of My Dog: The Paradox: A Lovable Discourse about Man’s Best Friend, the new book by Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal), but the rest of you won’t have to wait long since it’s being released next week! It’s a little book, but one of those really special ones that you’ll find yourself thinking about at random times, and that you’ll pick up to flip through frequently.

How one little book can manage to be both so hilarious AND heart-breaking I don’t know, but it does. In a few short pages, it captures and coveys everything that is true and funny and silly and sad about having a dog in your life. And just like a dog, it will make you cry some, but it will make you laugh a whole lot more.

If you’re familiar with The Oatmeal then you’ve probably already seen the online comic version of My Dog: The Paradox and might be wondering why you’d bother to get the book.

First of all, it’s been redrawn in full-color (the online version is black & white).  Also, there’s nothing like holding a real copy of a book in your hands and flipping through the pages. I’m a fan of the library and Kindle too, but trust me, this is one of those books you’ll be happy you own. And at around ten bucks it’s a deal.

If you’re still looking for a reason, supporting The Oatmeal by buying his book is a nice way to say Thanks if his free online works have ever: cured your Monday blues; provided much needed workday distraction; or just made you appear cooler and funnier than you really are when you shared them with friends on Facebook.

As of now, there are no reviews posted on Amazon or anywhere else that I can find, so you’ll just have to take my word for it and buy a copy here! Release date is May 7, but it’s available for pre-order now at $8.99 ($9.99 list).